Today I’m thinking of the song Winding Road by Bonnie Somerville. You may remember it from the movie Garden State (an awesome movie and one of the best movie soundtracks I know!). Don’t know it and you’re saying to yourself “I don’t know that song, so I’m not going to listen”? Well, I have two points for you: #1 our introductory post on Music for Your Life suggested listening outside your comfort zone – please give it a try! and #2 this song has some country, some folk, and some indie roots – I think a lot of people will find something to like! This song has kept me going many times over the years, and I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

Let’s look at a video for this song first (the video has lyrics, but they’re also written below). While listening, don’t forget to follow another suggestion from the introductory post and actively listen to the music!

Winding Road by Bonnie Somerville

Well, the rain keeps on coming down
It feels like a flood in my head
And that road keeps on calling me
Screaming to everything lying ahead

And it’s a winding road
I’ve been walking for a long time
I still don’t know
Where it goes
And it’s a long way home
I’ve been searching for a long time
I still have hope
I’m gonna find my way home

And I can see a little house
On top of the hill
And I can smell the ocean
The salt in the air
And I can see you
You’re standing there
And you’re washing your car
And I can see California sun in your hair

And its a winding road
I’ve been walking for a long time
Still don’t know
Where it goes
And it’s a long way home
I’ve been searching for a long time
Still have hope
I’m gonna find my way home

All these dreams took me so far
And I felt I just couldn’t go on
And I want to hang
Out the window of your car
And see just how good this baby can run

‘Cause it’s a winding road
I’ve been walking for a long time
And I still don’t know
Where it goes
And it’s a long way home
I’ve been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We’re gonna find our way home

It’s a winding road
Still have hope
One day we’ll find our way home
It’s a long way home
I’ve been searching for a long time
Still have hope
We’re gonna find our way home

It’s a long way home
It’s a long way home

Have you ever felt what feels like a flood in your head? Have you ever felt you just couldn’t go on? Have you ever felt like you’ll never get there? Here’s the magic: You’re not alone. You’re not the only one.

Sometimes we can feel really isolated when we don’t think we know where we’re going, or we don’t think we’re getting anywhere, or we’re just out of hope. Well, I hope this song is a touch of hope for you.

You see, life is definitely a winding road. And it certainly can be a long way home. And many of us have been walking, searching, or both for a long time. And that doesn’t mean that you’re lost. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It is just the case that life is a winding road, and we don’t usually know where that road is going. You’re walking this long, winding road just like everyone else.

You know what my favorite part of the song is? That it changes from I to We. See, even if you feel alone or feel hopeless, there are others out there who are walking this road too. So when you feel like looking down at your feet in despair or even sitting down and curling up into a ball, gather all your strength and look around. Maybe there’s a fellow traveler nearby who is feeling the same way. Maybe you can help each other – even if you end up not continuing on the same road.

You don’t have to know where the road goes. (Don’t worry, none of the rest of us know either – even if we look like we do!) You just have to find a way, each day, to keep walking. If you’d like a partner in your walk, please give us a call at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando at 407-355-7378. Our team of mental health counselors is excited to help you choose a direction on the road, make your road a little easier, or just walk with you to figure it out. Maybe Cindy Fabico can help you with life coaching or couples counseling or Amy Smith can help you with child counseling or individual counseling. Regardless of who you are, we have hope for you here.

I still have hope I’m gonna find my way home. I still have hope you’re gonna find your way home. I still have hope we’re gonna find our way home.

Yours in hope, on the long, winding road ~Krista Bringley